Obituary of Ramona J Garcia

After 93 long and full years, Ramona Juanita Garcia passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, with 2 of her daughters and her 2 granddaughters by her side.

Ramona was born in Santa Barbara on June 12, 1930. She was preceded by her parents Harry Olivera and Ramona Ludvigson, siblings: Rosie Duran, Harry E. Olivera, Vincent Olivera, and Desmond Olivera. Survived by Lester Olivera of Nipomo and many nieces and nephews. On the Garcia side of the family, she was the last of her generation, leaving many nieces and nephews as well.

Known by many names: Emma (in the Olivera family), Mona (at work), Nana (her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all of their friends and families), and Ramona to the rest of the world. A Santa Barbara native, Ramona attended local schools including Santa Barbara High School. During this time she met and fell in love with Moses Garcia. The fruit of their marriage was their 4 children: Moses “Moe” Garcia Jr. (Tisha Frank), Kathleen “Kathy” Garcia, Ramona Escobar (Daniel) and Rebecca “Becky” Garcia.

There is nothing she loved more in this world than her grandchildren! She leaves behind; Michael Garcia (Yani), Daniel (Dan) Escobar, Andrea Escobar, and Yolanda (Yoli) Soriano. Great grandchildren: Jacob Escobar, Solaya Doniego-Garcia, Anthony Loza, Timothy Escobar, Diaz Molina-Garcia, Christopher Loza, and Maceo Garcia.

After her home in Santa Barbara, Ramona’s “special place” was in Seattle where she made multiple trips to spend time with and care for her grandsons and great grandchildren. She had a special time supporting her great grandson Jacob when he started kindergarten. Visiting for a week, her trip transitioned into a month, and led to multi month visits in the coming years. Famous for her sassy wit and delicious food, coworkers, cousins, and friends who had the pleasure of spending time with “Nana” all remember her fondly and would ask about her years later.

For the past 40+ years Ramona lived with her daughter Becky and Granddaughter Yoli. Nana enjoyed her role as a caregiver: making lunch for Becky and Yoli when they were going to school and work, walking Yoli to school and the doctor's office, and eagerly walking any of her grandchildren to McDonalds for chicken nuggets. Over time this transitioned to Becky and Yoli being the loving care givers. The unwavering love and commitment of Yoli and Becky made this transition as graceful and passionate as anyone could hope for. The whole family are eternally thankful for this special relationship and the knowledge that at all times Ramona was with family who loved her and cared for her unconditionally.

Ramona worked at Mission Linen Supply for 30+ years, where she worked “2nd Desk” in the front office. She retired in 1992 but continued to help some of her friends at the laundry with their Avon business. This allowed her to visit and continue her friendships with so many of the coworkers she had known for so long. One special connection was with Carmen Gonzalez (proceeding her by about a month). Mona and Carmen would share stories of their families, soap operas, and the great grandchildren who were only months apart in age.

An active member of her longtime parish, Guadalupe Church, Ramona left her mark helping to cook, staff the white elephant table for Fiesta, and count money every Tuesday. After retiring she worked for Father Garcia (no relation) for many years, cooking and sewing for him. She was especially proud of becoming a Eucharistic Minister and eventually followed Father Caesar to Our Lady of Sorrows where she attended until her passing.

Ramona enjoyed sharing love through food!The salsa she made annually for the fall family festival, her fluffy chili rellenos, and her special “Nana Beans”, are family and friend favorites. In addition to her skill in the kitchen, Ramona was a master with knitting needles, crochet hooks, and a sewing machine. She hand made the wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses, and groomsmen shirts for one of her daughters' weddings. She made multiple Fiesta dresses for her two granddaughters Her handmade baby blankets, hats and booties have been spread all over Santa Barbara as she lovingly gave them to all her friends, their children and grandchildren. She kept a box of blankets and happily shared them whenever anyone needed a present. Like the graceful warmth of these blankets, we pray that the love and memories she leaves behind will comfort all who knew her. She will be in our hearts forever.

A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, March 6th at 7:00 pm and a funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 7th at 10:00am. Both services will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. 21 East Sola St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101